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Map of the island of Vlieland, December 2015

Key Information

Vlieland (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈvlilɑnt] ⓘ; West Frisian: Flylân [ˈflilɔ̃ːn]) is a municipality and island in the northern Netherlands. The municipality of Vlieland is the second most sparsely populated municipality in the Netherlands, after Schiermonnikoog.

Vlieland is one of the West Frisian Islands, lying in the Wadden Sea. It is the second island from the west in the chain, lying between Texel and Terschelling. The island was permanently separated from the mainland in St. Lucia's flood in 1287. Vlieland was named after the Vlie, the seaway between it and Terschelling that was the estuary of the river IJssel in medieval times. Richel is a permanently dry sandbank, located about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) east of the northernmost point of Vlieland and is administered by the municipality of Vlieland.

History

[edit]

The northern part of the island of Texel, Eierland, once was the southwestern part of Vlieland. A storm surge in 1296 probably separated Eierland from Vlieland.[6] Erosion further diminished the size of Vlieland from the west, leading in 1736 to the disappearance of a second village on Vlieland, West-Vlieland (Westeijnde), after the inhabitants had tried for decades to rebuild the town following numerous floods.

During the Second World War, Vlieland became part of the German Atlantic Wall. The occupying German forces built two anti-aircraft batteries and stationed more soldiers on the island than there were inhabitants. In 1942 the islands of Vlieland and Terschelling were transferred from the province of North Holland to Friesland and the situation was not reversed after the war.[7] The mail station in the western part of the island is a reminder that in the past mail was delivered by ferry from Texel.

Because of this history, Vlieland natives do not speak Frisian. The original dialect, Vlielands, was related to the dialect of Texel and to other Dutch dialects in North Holland. The last native speaker, Petronella de Boer-Zeylemaker, died in 1993 at the age of 107.[8]

Geography

[edit]

The majority of the landscape of the island consists of sand dunes, but there are some wooded areas and small meadows. A large part of the island, the western part, consists mainly of sand. There is one village on the island, Oost-Vlieland (West Frisian: East-Flylân). A second village, West-Vlieland, was lost to the sea in 1736.

Transport

[edit]

Vlieland can be reached by ferry from the Frisian town of Harlingen on the mainland. Ferries are operated by Doeksen and the journey takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to cross the Wadden Sea and part of the North Sea.[9] Tourists are not allowed to bring cars with them on the ferry. A summer-only ferry service runs between De Cocksdorp on the neighboring island of Texel and the westernmost point of Vlieland.[10] The most common form of transport on the island is the bicycle; a network of cycle paths criss-cross the island. A bus service runs from the ferry terminal to the village and campsites after the arrival of a ferry, and some time before departure. There is a very small heliport near the village, but it is only used for SAR flights.

Vlieland. Satellite view

Climate

[edit]

Vlieland, being the outermost of the Frisian barrier islands, sees its climate the most moderated by the North- and Wadden Sea. As is the case with the other West Frisian islands, sunshine hours are among the highest in the Netherlands. Temperature extremes are rare; on average only 6 times a year does the daytime high exceed 25 °C (77 °F), and a high above 30 °C (86 °F) happens on average only once every three years. This also counts for extreme cold; only on five days a year does the temperature stay below 0 °C (32 °F) for a whole 24-hour period, and nighttime frost happens on less than 40 nights a year. Nights below −10 °C (14 °F) only happen on average once every two years. Wind is abundant however, the average wind speed on Vlieland is almost 8 metres per second (26 ft/s). Gale-force winds occur on average nine days per year.

Climate data for Vlieland (10m amsl)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 5.5
(41.9) 		5.3
(41.5) 		7.4
(45.3) 		11.1
(52.0) 		14.7
(58.5) 		17.2
(63.0) 		19.8
(67.6) 		20.4
(68.7) 		17.7
(63.9) 		14.1
(57.4) 		10.0
(50.0) 		6.7
(44.1) 		12.3
(54.1)
Daily mean °C (°F) 3.7
(38.7) 		3.5
(38.3) 		5.2
(41.4) 		8.1
(46.6) 		11.5
(52.7) 		14.3
(57.7) 		16.8
(62.2) 		17.5
(63.5) 		15.1
(59.2) 		11.5
(52.7) 		7.7
(45.9) 		4.8
(40.6) 		10.2
(50.4)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 1.8
(35.2) 		1.6
(34.9) 		3.1
(37.6) 		5.0
(41.0) 		8.4
(47.1) 		11.3
(52.3) 		13.7
(56.7) 		14.6
(58.3) 		12.4
(54.3) 		9.0
(48.2) 		5.3
(41.5) 		2.5
(36.5) 		7.6
(45.7)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 72
(2.8) 		49
(1.9) 		55
(2.2) 		32
(1.3) 		45
(1.8) 		50
(2.0) 		68
(2.7) 		72
(2.8) 		89
(3.5) 		105
(4.1) 		98
(3.9) 		82
(3.2) 		919
(36.2)
Average precipitation days 12 10 11 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 16 15 135
Average relative humidity (%) 86 83 80 73 72 73 74 73 75 79 83 86 78
Mean monthly sunshine hours 68 99 142 204 247 228 239 213 156 118 70 61 1,835
[citation needed]

Politics

[edit]

Vlieland has a nine-member municipal council elected every four years. The results of the 2022 election are shown in the table below.[11] Michiel Schrier (Socialist Party) has been mayor of Vlieland since 2021.[12]


Party Popular vote Seats
Votes %
Lijst Fier 253 38.63
3 / 9
Nieuw Liberaal Vlieland (NLV) 187 28.55
3 / 9
Algemeen Belang Vlieland (ABV) 141 21.53
2 / 9
GroenWit [nl] (GW) 74 11.3
1 / 9

Economy

[edit]

Tourism is the main source of income on Vlieland. There are approximately 15 hotels, and several hundred apartments and holiday homes. Vlieland has two campsites.

Here Comes The Summer and Into The Great Wide Open are two music festivals, held respectively in late April and in late August.[13]

Notable people

[edit]
  • Willem de Vlamingh (1640 in Oost-Vlieland – 1698) a Dutch sea captain who explored the coast of Australia, then New Holland
  • Nicolaas Kruik (1678 in West-Vlieland – 1754) a Dutch land surveyor, cartographer, astronomer and weatherman; remembered for the Museum De Cruquius
  • Liesbeth List (1941 - 2020) a Dutch singer who as a child was adopted by the Vlieland lighthousekeeper and spent her teenage years on the island. A walkway to the lighthouse is named after her.
[edit]
  • St. Nicolas church (Nicolaas Kerk) in Oost-Vlieland
    St. Nicolas church (Nicolaas Kerk) in Oost-Vlieland
  • Dunes on the northern shore of Vlieland looking towards Terschelling
    Dunes on the northern shore of Vlieland looking towards Terschelling
  • Vlieland, beach at dusk
    Vlieland, beach at dusk
  • Aerial view of southern part of Vlieland from Texel
    Aerial view of southern part of Vlieland from Texel

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Vlieland

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from Grokipedia
Vlieland is the smallest inhabited island of the , located in the off the north coast of the between and . As a within province, it encompasses a land area of 36.1 km², with maximum dimensions of 19.5 km in length and 3.1 km in width. The island supports a resident population of approximately 1,217, concentrated almost entirely in the sole village of Oost-Vlieland, rendering it one of the least densely populated municipalities in the country. Characterized by expansive dunes, sandy beaches, and rich avian habitats, Vlieland serves primarily as a haven for , , and serene recreation, with much of its terrain designated as protected natural areas. Its historical development traces back to medieval efforts, evolving into a strategic maritime outpost before emphasizing conservation and low-impact visitation in modern times.

Geography

Physical features

Vlieland is an elongated in the West Frisian chain, situated in the between to the west and to the east, with a maximum length of 19.5 kilometers oriented east-west and a maximum width of 3.1 kilometers. The island's land area measures approximately 40 km², predominantly composed of dune sands accumulated through coastal processes. The terrain is low-lying and flat, with the highest elevation reaching 42 meters above the , the Dutch datum approximating . The landscape features extensive mobile and fixed sand dunes covering much of the interior, flanked by wide sandy beaches on both the northern coast and the southern shore. Small wooded areas, including coniferous plantations like the Posthuysbos in the western part, and limited brackish lagoons and grasslands occupy the interdunal zones. Geologically, Vlieland's surface consists mainly of fine- to medium-grained coastal sands derived from offshore sources and , with minimal clay or deposits except in reclaimed polders. The island lacks significant freshwater bodies or rivers, relying on rainwater infiltration through the permeable sandy soils, which support dune slack vegetation in wetter depressions. Approximately 80% of the dunes are protected under the Duinen Vlieland site, preserving the dynamic aeolian and marine-influenced morphology.

Climate

Vlieland possesses an classified as Cfb under the Köppen system, marked by mild winters, cool summers, evenly distributed precipitation, and persistent westerly winds due to its exposed position in the among the . The island's maritime setting moderates temperature extremes, with annual averages around 10.9°C, warmer than inland in winter but cooler in summer owing to sea breezes and frequent . Temperatures typically range from average lows of 2°C in to highs of 19°C in , with the warm season spanning June to September when daily highs exceed 17°C. The coldest period occurs from late to March, with highs below 8°C and occasional frost, though snowfall remains rare and light. Annual totals approximately 935 mm, distributed fairly evenly across months, with seeing the highest averages at around 65 mm and the lowest at 30 mm; wet days number about 180 per year. The features high windiness, a hallmark of the islands, with average speeds exceeding 26 km/h (16 mph) from to , peaking in January at 31 km/h (19.6 mph). Gusts frequently surpass 50 km/h in winter storms, shaping formations and influencing local , while calmer conditions prevail in summer with averages around 21 km/h (13 mph). Relative hovers between 80-90% year-round, and dominates, especially in winter when overcast skies exceed 65% of the time. These conditions support vegetation but limit agricultural potential, emphasizing Vlieland's role as a natural reserve rather than a farming locale.

Transport

Vlieland is accessible primarily by from Harlingen, the mainland port in province, with services operating year-round. The route is managed by Rederij Doeksen, which provides multiple daily departures, typically 6 to 9 sailings depending on the season. The standard ferry crossing duration is about 90 minutes, while a faster option completes the journey in approximately 45 minutes. The island maintains a strict car-free policy for visitors, prohibiting motorized vehicles except for residents holding special permits; tourists must park automobiles in designated long-term facilities near the Harlingen terminal, such as those on Harlingerstraatweg, which operate daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bicycles may be transported on ferries, and rentals are widely available on Vlieland to facilitate exploration. A seasonal service links Vlieland to the neighboring of , run by Rederij De Vriendschap from mid-April to on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, allowing bicycles aboard. Intra-island transport relies on non-motorized and limited options due to the car restriction. Upon arrival at the Veerdam terminal, a and taxis transport passengers to accommodations and key sites like Oost-Vlieland village. Biking and walking predominate across the 12-kilometer-long island, supported by dedicated paths; a local bus service covers major routes, including access to the Vliehors beach area via the De Vliehors Expres during permitted hours. No or serves Vlieland; aerial access requires private arrangements or connections from mainland facilities like Schiphol via to Harlingen and onward .

History

Origins and early development

Vlieland's current form emerged through a combination of natural tidal processes and human modifications during the medieval period, with the island considered largely man-made in its modern configuration. The name derives from the Vlie, a former estuary of the IJssel River that separated Vlieland from and facilitated early maritime access. Initially connected to the mainland as part of a larger landmass including what became , the island's separation accelerated due to storm-induced flooding; a significant event in 1296, exacerbated by prior human alterations like monastic canals, divided it from Eierland (now part of ), with official recognition as distinct islands by 1314. The earliest documented human activity traces to 1230, when Count granted "Insula Fle" to the Ludinga Monastery in Achlum, prompting monastic settlement focused on exploiting the western Moerwaard region's peat moors for and fuel. constructed the Monnikensloot to reach these areas, inadvertently weakening natural barriers and contributing to later floods that reshaped the landscape. Oost-Vlieland, the island's primary settlement, first appears in records in 1245, initially populated by subsistence farmers and fishermen amid challenging coastal conditions. Early development centered on resource extraction and rudimentary trade via the , with the monastery's influence laying groundwork for later , though permanent habitation remained sparse until maritime grew in the following centuries. Archaeological evidence of pre-medieval occupation is limited, consistent with the region's broader pattern of settlement intensification during the [Iron Age](/page/Iron Age) and later, but Vlieland's isolation delayed substantial population until monastic and flood-related changes stabilized its form.

Modern era

In the 19th century, Vlieland experienced a significant decline in maritime trade as the Vlie shipping channel shifted northward toward , reducing the island's strategic importance and leaving it dominated by expansive . Efforts to mitigate included the construction of a Wadden dike in 1825, which proved inadequate and led to flooding in Oost-Vlieland, followed by the building of new dams, approximately 200-300 meters long, using brushwood, poles, debris, and blocks in the late 19th century. By the early 20th century, the island's small population and high costs for coastal defenses prompted the province of to consider evacuating Vlieland in 1921, a plan averted through intervention by the Dutch Department of Waterways and Public Works, which agreed to subsidize local council deficits. During , following a peaceful mobilization period from 1939, Vlieland was incorporated into the German defenses, with bunkers constructed as part of extensive coastal fortifications; remnants of these structures, including command bunkers like Wn 12H, remain visible today and are preserved in museums detailing occupation-era life. In 1942, amid wartime administrative reorganizations, Vlieland and were transferred from to the province of , a change that persisted after the war's end. Postwar economic recovery shifted Vlieland's focus from declining shipping and piloting activities to , leveraging its natural dunes, beaches, and isolation as a car-free destination; by the late , visitor accommodations expanded to include around 15 hotels and hundreds of holiday homes, making the primary industry. The island's population stabilized at a low level, reflecting ongoing emigration trends from traditional maritime pursuits, while conservation efforts intensified to protect its ecosystem, recognized as a in 2009.

Demographics

The population of Vlieland, concentrated primarily in the village of Oost-Vlieland, has remained small and relatively stable historically, reflecting its status as a remote island with limited land for expansion. In 1830, the island recorded 561 inhabitants. By the late , the figure had grown modestly to 1,119 in 1995. Over the subsequent decades, the experienced gradual growth, reaching an estimated 1,217 by 2025, an increase of 98 persons or 8.8% from 1995 levels. This trend accelerated in recent years, with a reported 15.9% rise adding 172 residents by mid-2024, driven largely by net positive migration amid broader Dutch population shifts. For context, annual net migration has significantly outpaced natural change; in one recent assessment, 219 registrations contrasted with a natural balance of -1 (10 births versus 11 deaths).
YearPopulation
19951,119
2013 (neighborhood est.)1,050
20171,085
20181,132
20191,138
2021 (est.)1,125
2025 (est.)1,217
These figures, drawn from municipal and statistical aggregates, indicate slow but persistent upward pressure from inbound migration—likely tied to tourism-related opportunities and appeal—offsetting an aging with low and higher mortality rates typical of small, isolated communities. Projections suggest continued modest growth, though numbers may decline due to smaller average sizes.

Cultural composition

The population of Vlieland is predominantly of Dutch origin, with 79% classified as autochtoon (native Dutch without migration background) as of 2025. An additional 16% have a European migration background, primarily from other Western European countries, while 5.5% trace origins to non-Western regions, including small numbers from the / (4 individuals) and (3 individuals) in 2022 data. Approximately 83% of residents were born in the , reflecting limited immigration to this remote island municipality. Linguistically, Vlieland's inhabitants speak standard Dutch, with no significant use of West Frisian despite the island's location in province. The historical local , known as Vlielands, was a North Hollandic variety akin to dialects on nearby ; it became extinct by the late 20th century after assimilating into broader northeastern Dutch speech patterns. This linguistic shift underscores Vlieland's cultural ties to mainland rather than continental Frisian traditions.

Government and Politics

Municipal structure

The Municipality of Vlieland operates within the standard Dutch municipal , featuring a directly elected municipal council (gemeenteraad), an executive board (college van burgemeester en wethouders), and supporting administrative apparatus. The council holds legislative authority, approves budgets, and oversees the executive, while the board manages daily administration and policy implementation. The municipal council comprises nine seats, allocated proportionally among competing lists during elections held every four years. Following the March 2022 elections, the council's composition includes Lijst Fier with three seats, Nieuw Liberaal Vlieland with three seats, Algemeen Belang Vlieland with one seat, GroenWit with one seat, and Lijst Stuivenga with one seat. Council meetings occur periodically, with decisions formalized through public agendas and minutes. The executive board consists of the mayor (burgemeester) and two aldermen (wethouders), who divide portfolios covering areas such as , , and public services. Michiel Schrier, affiliated with the Socialistische Partij, has served as since his installation on May 10, 2021. As of October 2025, the aldermen include Tom van Mourik, appointed in April 2025, and S. Vellinga-Beemsterboer, appointed following the council meeting on October 13, 2025. The board is supported by a small administrative staff of approximately 37 employees, organized into policy, execution/support, and outdoor services teams.

Policy priorities

The municipal council of Vlieland outlined its primary policy priorities in the Raadsbreed akkoord 2022–2026, emphasizing , environmental preservation, and balanced tailored to the island's unique constraints. Central to these is the protection and restoration of nature and , addressed through the Programma Biodiversiteit established in 2023, which includes initiatives like promoting natural gardening, greening schoolyards, and public awareness campaigns via weekly updates. Climate adaptation and form another core focus, with the adoption of the Uitvoeringsprogramma Duurzaamheid 2023–2027 integrating water and soil management strategies, alongside collaborative efforts with other Wadden Islands, province, and energy provider Liander to secure supply, including planned research outcomes in 2025. Housing policy prioritizes affordability and availability under the "Goed wonen en leven" framework, culminating in the finalized WoonZorg Visie and Programma Wonen in 2024, which target solutions for seasonal workers, vacancy reduction, and overall residential opportunities amid limited land resources. Economic diversification and management aim to update the tourist vision and event policy by evaluating stakeholder input, while advancing projects through the Regio Deal, including 2024 ground flow analyses for ; the targets 25% in 2025, scaling to 100% by 2035 as part of broader sustainability goals. Mobility policies reinforce Vlieland's car-light (autoluw) character through 2024-initiated research on , sustainable transport options like smaller buses and schoolboat services, and potential collaborations for a personalized system with neighboring and ferry operator Doeksen. Social and cultural priorities include enhancing via MBO program expansions and courses, developing a new Kunst en Cultuur nota, and bolstering youth facilities and volunteer networks to foster community cohesion. Governance efforts stress citizen participation, inter-island via the Programma Waddeneilanden submitted for Regiodeal funding, and fiscal prudence through reserve updates and municipal fund monitoring to ensure long-term stability. The Vergunningen, Toezicht en Handhaving (VTH) beleid 2025–2028 further supports these by setting enforcement strategies for permits and compliance, aligning with environmental and development objectives.

Economy

Key industries

Vlieland lacks significant primary industries, with agriculture entirely absent in modern times; the island supports no commercial farming operations, as its terrain consists primarily of dunes, forests, and protected natural areas unsuitable for cultivation or rearing. Historically, the now-eroded western part of the island sustained small-scale landbouw () and veeteelt (), including herding, but these activities ended due to progressive sand encroachment and by the . Commercial fishing is also negligible as an industry today, with no large-scale visserij (fisheries) operations; any occurs sporadically at recreational or small personal levels, such as staand wantvissen (set net fishing) regulated by municipal permits, but it contributes minimally to the . The island's near-total reliance on imports for , materials, and underscores the absence of viable extractive or productive primary sectors. Emerging efforts focus on sustainable resource management rather than traditional industries, including pilots aimed at reducing waste and enhancing local material cycling, though these remain experimental and do not constitute major sectors. Non-tourism economic activity is confined to limited retail, , and minor , reflecting the island's small population of around 1,180 residents and seasonal fluctuations.

Tourism and business

Tourism serves as the dominant economic driver on Vlieland, sustaining employment and income for virtually the entire population of around 1,200 . The sector relies on the island's natural assets, including expansive dunes, beaches, and a vehicle-restricted policy that enforces and access, fostering low-impact recreation such as , , and . Visitors, numbering approximately 140,000 to 213,545 annually as of recent years, contribute significantly to local revenue through stays in hotels, campsites, and vacation homes. Seasonal peaks occur in July and August, with over 30,000 arrivals per month, while 79% of guests are repeat visitors, reflecting satisfaction ratings averaging 8.9 out of 10. The influx generates around 600,000 overnight stays in peak historical data, though recent trends show stabilization efforts amid concerns over capacity and resident livability. First-quarter 2024 saw a dip of about 700 overnights due to weather events, highlighting vulnerability to environmental factors. Business activities center on and support services, with accounting for a substantial portion of —estimated at over 500 jobs in on comparable Wadden islands. Local enterprises include roughly 15 hotels, numerous rental accommodations, and seasonal retail outlets, supplemented by limited and artisanal trades. Municipal policies since 2024 prioritize , aiming to cap tourist beds rather than impose visitor limits, to mitigate overcrowding while preserving economic viability. This approach addresses tensions between growth and infrastructure strain, as evidenced by resident surveys noting benefits outweighed by drawbacks only if managed carefully.

Environment and Sustainability

Natural ecology

Vlieland, a in the Dutch , features a dynamic shaped by Holocene sedimentary processes dating back approximately 8,000 years , with ongoing natural dynamics in tidal flats, dunes, and coastal barriers largely undisturbed except for localized influences. The island's consists primarily of extensive sand dunes, coniferous plantations, and embanked brackish lagoons, forming a of coastal habitats that support specialized ecological communities. The dune systems, including the Meeuwenduinen reserve on the western side, provide critical habitats for pioneer vegetation adapted to shifting sands and salt spray, while inland areas feature the Bomenland pine forest, the island's oldest coniferous woodland offering sheltered microhabitats. Brackish lagoons and rehydrated valleys host flora such as black bog-rush (Schoenus nigricans) and early (Dactylorhiza incarnata), reobserved after decades following restoration efforts. These habitats contribute to the broader ecosystem, recognized as a since 2009, encompassing intertidal zones with over 2,300 and in salt alone. Avifauna dominates Vlieland's wildlife, with diverse habitats attracting breeding, migrating, and wintering birds; up to 6.1 million birds utilize the annually, including species like (Saxicola rubicola), (Turdus torquatus), and (Oenanthe oenanthe) observed in dune and coastal areas. The Duinen Vlieland area, designated a Ramsar of international importance, prioritizes amid threats like disturbance from military training, though land use emphasizes research and protection alongside .

Conservation and circular initiatives

The Duinen Vlieland area, encompassing approximately 1,533 hectares of dunes, forests, and brackish lagoons, is designated as a site under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives, providing legal protection for priority habitats such as wooded dunes of the Atlantic region. This site, also recognized as a Ramsar wetland of international importance since 2022, supports diverse ecosystems including sand dunes and conifer plantations, with management focused on habitat restoration and preservation through initiatives led by the State Forestry Service. As a Key Area covering 13.11 km² with 100% protected status, it emphasizes conservation of endemic and amid coastal dynamics. Vlieland's conservation efforts integrate dune habitat restoration projects, such as those under the EU LIFE program, which address and to maintain ecological integrity across the island's coastal zones. The island's car-free policy, enforced since the mid-20th century to minimize human impact, complements these measures by limiting vehicular disturbance to sensitive systems and promoting and access. In pursuit of principles, Vlieland initiated a comprehensive resource flow analysis in 2017 through collaboration with Metabolic, mapping material, water, nutrient, and energy cycles to identify pathways for closing loops and reducing waste dependency on mainland imports. This effort built on the island's 2007 commitment, shared with other Wadden Islands, to achieve energy self-sufficiency by 2020 via renewable sources like solar and wind, though full realization has involved ongoing adaptations to local constraints. Lab Vlieland, established as a platform, drives circular initiatives including zero-waste strategies and resource-efficient tourism, positioning the island as a for scalable models that prioritize local reuse and renewable integration over linear extraction. Municipal policies emphasize transitions alongside , targeting reduced emissions and enhanced resilience through community-led projects like exploration and festival-based emission-free operations.

Culture and Heritage

Local traditions

Vlieland maintains several distinctive folk customs rooted in its insular and maritime heritage, often emphasizing communal participation and seasonal rituals. These traditions, preserved among the island's approximately 1,100 residents, reflect a blend of pre-modern European practices adapted to local conditions, with limited external influence due to the island's isolation. One prominent custom is opkleden, a variant of the celebration held annually on December 5. Participants don elaborate disguises and engage in a , marking it as one of the oldest documented forms of the feast in the , likely originating from medieval mumming practices where anonymity allowed for satirical commentary on community figures. The event remains relatively private, confined to locals, and underscores Vlieland's resistance to mainland commercialization of the holiday. Pierepauwen, observed on November 2 coinciding with , involves children crafting lanterns and going door-to-door singing traditional songs such as "Piere pierepauwen" to solicit treats or coins. This ritual, akin to continental Halloween or Sint-Maarten but tied to , derives etymologically from French "Pierre et Paul," referencing an apostolic light festival, and has persisted since at least the as a communal gathering for youth. Modern iterations may include organized stops at community centers like De Vliestroom, blending with contemporary safety measures. Funerals on Vlieland exemplify profound communal , with all islanders buried locally in the adjacent to the Sint-Nicolaaskerk, regardless of origin. Organized by a volunteer uitvaartvereniging since the early , proceedings feature the carried publicly through Oost-Vlieland at precisely 1:30 PM, accompanied by widespread ; every receives a mourning card to ensure collective involvement. This practice, noted for its discretion and emotional intensity, avoids —requiring off-island transport—and reinforces social bonds in a tight-knit population. New Year's Eve (oudejaarsviering) features locals riding mopeds without mufflers through the village, generating intense noise to symbolically expel misfortunes of the departing year—a custom paralleling mainland shooting or but adapted to Vlieland's restrictions. Permitted under municipal ordinance from until 1:00 AM on , this auditory dates to at least the mid-20th century and serves as a release in the island's otherwise quiet environment.

Notable figures

Willem de Vlamingh (baptized November 28, 1640 – after 1698), a Dutch seafarer and explorer in service of the , was born in Oost-Vlieland on the island. He commanded expeditions including a 1696–1697 voyage that mapped parts of Western Australia's coast, discovering features such as the Swan River and contributing early European observations of black swans. Nicolaus Samuel Cruquius (1678–1754), born in West-Vlieland, was a Dutch known as a surveyor, cartographer, hydraulic , and early . He produced influential maps of the Dutch coast and region, advanced tide measurement techniques, and pioneered graphical representations of periodic data, such as diagrams and line graphs of tidal variations. Liesbeth List (1941–2020), the stage name of Elisabeth Dorathea List (born Elly Driessen), grew up on Vlieland after by the island's Jaap List and his wife Marie, who renamed her. A prominent Dutch singer celebrated for interpretations of and folk material, she achieved fame in the through collaborations with Ramses Shaffy and recordings like "Het was avond en het was winter," with a footpath to the Vlieland later named in her honor. Betzy Akersloot-Berg (1850–1922), a Norwegian-Dutch painter specializing in seascapes and landscapes, resided and maintained her studio on Vlieland from 1896 onward in what became Tromp's Huys, producing over 300 works depicting the island's maritime environment and village scenes.

References

  1. https://vlieland.org/en/vlieland.php
  2. http://www.citypopulation.de/en/netherlands/admin/friesland/0096__vlieland/
  3. https://rsis.ramsar.org/RISapp/files/RISrep/NL2216RISformer_210608_1504_en.pdf
  4. https://vlieland.org/en/history.php
  5. https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/2216
  6. https://marmotamaps.com/en/prints/vlieland
  7. https://pure.rug.nl/ws/files/14516860/composition.pdf
  8. https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/netherlands/vlieland-climate
  9. https://en.climate-data.org/europe/the-netherlands/friesland/oost-vlieland-152765/
  10. https://weatherspark.com/y/52775/Average-Weather-in-Oost-Vlieland-Netherlands-Year-Round
  11. https://vlieland.org/en/route.php
  12. https://www.rederij-doeksen.nl/en/travelinformation
  13. https://girlswanderlust.com/vlieland-the-ultimate-guide/
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